SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – The women’s golf team returned to action on Monday after a two-week layoff as they competed at the Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate hosted by Tennessee Tech. The two-day, 36-hole event took place at the par-71, 5,803 yard, Sevierville Golf Club. Day one was played under overcast skies with drizzle at times, as the temperatures hovered around 45 degrees.

The Tigers are in 12th place out of 13 after shooting a 71-over, 355. Murray State leads the pack with a 31-over, 315.

Freshmen Natalie Spicer and Erica Edwards led the way for TSU over the first 18-holes. Spicer hit her third shot from 65-yards out to within a foot of the pin on the par-4, 12th. Spicer was able to make par as she finished the day with a team low, 86. Spicer found nine fairways, seven greens and completed three up and downs on the day.

After not recording a par through the first nine holes, Edwards turned the corner and picked up four over the next six. The first-year hit nine fairways, eight greens, and used 41 putts to card an 88.

Kelly Merkel started slow and registered a nine and a triple bogey through the first ten holes, but regained her form as she pared five of the final eight holes. Merkel hit eight fairways, seven greens and used 38 putts to shoot a 90.

Laura Bremer used eight fairways, three greens and 33 putts for a 91, while Sarah Needleman hit seven fairways, two greens and 35 putts for a 97.

Amelia Dap, playing as an individual, shot an 89 as she hit eight of 13 fairways. On the par-3, 13th, Dap hit a five iron from 159 yards out to set up a two putt for par.